Ralph J. Dosch

Ralph J. Dosch, 82, of Zanesville, died at 1:48 p.m. Thursday December 8 at The Oaks at Northpointe. Surrounded by his family, Ralph finally surrendered after a very difficult 3 ½ years. He was born August 26, 1934 in Zanesville, the son of Francis and Hilaria Dosch. He was a graduate of Rosecrans High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean War conflict. He was employed by Greif Bros. Corp for 22 years as a sales representative. In 1984 he co-founded Eastern Ohio Packaging in Byesville, Ohio. Ralph retired in 2013 from International Paper, the company that ultimately purchased the Byesville Plant. Ralph was the consummate “relationship salesman”, developing long term friendships and always taking care of the customer. Ralph was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, serving the church and school communities in multiple volunteer positions over the years. He also was a 4-H advisor for many years while his sons were showing cattle. He enjoyed hunting, taking care of his large garden, playing cards, but most of all, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Perhaps his greatest gifts to his sons were instilling a very strong work ethic and financial discipline. Ralph is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou (Prestanski) Dosch. The father of five sons, he used to claim that “he stopped with a basketball team before he ended up with a baseball team!” His sons are Frank (Amy) Dosch, Ted (Ann) Dosch, John (Penny Warehime) Dosch, Pete (Kris) Dosch, and Mike (Danya) Dosch. He was also very proud of his 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Howard (Pat) Dosch, George (Linda) Dosch, and Mark Dosch, sisters Martha Carpenter, Sister Miriam Dosch, and Monica (Joe) Tumeo, brother-in-law Harry (Jeanene) Prestanski, and sister-in-law Bernadine Dosch, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers infant John Dosch, Dr. Paul Dosch, Harry Dosch and wife Ginny, brothers-in-law Paul Carpenter and Joseph Prestanski, Jr., and his “favorite in-laws” Joseph and Della Prestanski. The family would like to thank the caring (and very patient!) staff at The Oaks at Northpointe for Ralph’s care these last eight months, as well as Dr. Shelly Dunmyer and Genesis Hospice. Friends may call from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 5:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated 10:00 AM, Monday, December 12, 2016, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 144 North Fifth Street, Zanesville with a Dominican Father as Celebrant. Ralph will be laid to rest in Mt. Olive Cemetery with the United States Army, VFW Post 1058 and the American Legion Post 29 conducting Full Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to either Bishop Rosecrans High School (1040 E Main Street, Zanesville, OH 43701) or St. Thomas Catholic Church (144 N. 5th Street, Zanesville, OH 43701). To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com.

Ralph J. Dosch

August 26, 1934 - December 8, 2016